54" extra edge mower deck

[JDTank]

I recently purchased a 2012 X740 with the 54 inch deck, and I can tell you, the factory blades do not help.

I had a very large amount of build-up, every time I mowed. It didn't matter if it was bone dry or damp, it always collected a ton of grass. I switched to G6 gator blades, and what a difference! While there is still some build-up, it is VERY slight. I clean my deck once a month now, instead of every mowing. Everything about the G6 Gator blades is better than the OEM John Deeres, except for lift. If you want maximum suction, you need JD Hi-Lift blades. Keep in mind, the G6 blades still have very good lift.

This is one of those topics that is difficult to give advice on. Grass looks like any other grass, but it is all different. Some grass cuts really nice, and leaves little to no build-up. Some cuts horrible and piles on the clippings. Even with 2 different grass types in equal conditions of moisture content, they can cut completely different. Obviously this will affect your results.

My advice is switch to G6 Gator blades. It is as close as you will come to a clean deck without switching to a 7-Iron deck. The very design of the edge extra decks stops it from staying completely clean. The 7-Iron design is just the opposite. By design, it stays extremely clean.

 

[BBO]

My advice is switch to G6 Gator blades. It is as close as you will come to a clean deck without switching to a 7-Iron deck.

I read all this about the G6 blades but I have never tried them.
I have no problems with the standard JD blades but I wonder what all the hoopla is about.

Are they from JD. I use the M141785 blade (3 on a 60" deck). These are about $25 each.
Do you know the G6 part number or price?

(Mine is the 755 & 445 mowers.) I am not familiar with what you call the "7-Iron deck"

 

[toddsgarage]

I have 2 JD 445's my mother uses one with a 54" deck and it plugs up and i run a 60" deck and it plugs up too. i just painted the 60" deck and that didnt help at all. I can over fill a five gallon bucket when i cleen my deck after 3 times mowing , i am running JD ome blades. Thanks for the help.

 

[KennedyDiesel]

The G3 and G5 are plenty adequate. The G6's are huge. I have a set for my 7 Iron, but hav eyet to use them. The 7I with Hi lift works exceptionally well, but as with any OE blades, the tips wear to rounded ends quickly.

 

[glc24]

I read all this about the G6 blades but I have never tried them.
I have no problems with the standard JD blades but I wonder what all the hoopla is about.

The hoopla is how clean they keep your deck. Did you see my previous post? Those are G6's.

Are they from JD. I use the M141785 blade (3 on a 60" deck). These are about $25 each.
Do you know the G6 part number or price?

No,they are not JD. They are made by Oregon.The chainsaw chain people.

(Mine is the 755 & 445 mowers.) I am not familiar with what you call the "7-Iron deck"

7 Iron is basically a commercial deck that JD offers mostly for their zero turns. I think (not positive) you can get it with some JD garden tractor models also.


This is one example of price. There are many more to be found online also.

Oregon 20-1/2" Gator Mulcher G6 Mower Blade (29/32" Center Hole) For John Deere (M48452, M112847, Am35557, Am100538, M87622, M141785) | 20 Thru 23 Inch | John Deere | www.baileysonline.com

Greg

 

[Midniteoyl]

That is a cheap price.. I've been seeing 2x or more that.

 

[JDTank]

Don't be fooled by thinking "a blade is a blade"

Blades have a HUGE affect on how the air flows underneath your deck. Changing the way the air moves can drastically reduce the amount of grass build-up. John Deere OEM blades tend to push grass clippings vertical into the top face of the deck. Build-up starts fast.

G6 Gator blades recirculate clippings, they stop them from being shoved up to the top of the deck. Clippings make a circular motion and are re-cut by the blade edge multiple times before exiting the side discharge opening.

The other downside to your situation is you are running the oldest version of the 54'' edge deck. The first versions have a different stamping design, and are not very good at staying clean. The latest version is a much better design, but still no 7-Iron.

 

[BBO]

7 Iron is basically a commercial deck that JD offers mostly for their zero turns. I think (not positive) you can get it with some JD garden tractor models also.

This is one example of price. There are many more to be found online also.

Thanks, and this is just really interesting. They are actually cheaper that the standard blades I have been getting from JD.

BUT my concern is rocks. I am all for keeping the deck cleaner because this is a problem for me.
I mow about 4 acres a week and some areas have bare/dry sections with small rocks and then driveway edges that have larger rocks.

In the past I have had problems with "mulch" style blades that suck up more rocks than grass it seems.
I wonder if I might need to try a set of the G6's.

I don't care so much for the "recut" business, I just want the grass to go OUT The chute.
Maybe I am in the wrong thread here which is about the "Edge 54" deck.
My 755 & 445 uses the Commercial 60" deck.

 

[Jimh4662]

Have the 54HC. I Have adjusted leveling points using manuals specifications. Using the deck location and using the blades from sides and middle front. Have depth gauge at 3 inches. Front middle blade at 2 3/4 inch. My problem is the deck seems to cut a deeper blade cut on right side. See pictures. I cannot correct this. What causes this. Blades, deck? 16 hrs on deck and tractor. Any you folks have any idea please let me know.

 

[JDTank]

Have the 54HC. I Have adjusted leveling points using manuals specifications. Using the deck location and using the blades from sides and middle front. Have depth gauge at 3 inches. Front middle blade at 2 3/4 inch. My problem is the deck seems to cut a deeper blade cut on right side. See pictures. I cannot correct this. What causes this. Blades, deck? 16 hrs on deck and tractor. Any you folks have any idea please let me know. View attachment 332114

Check your tire pressures. Even a few pounds off can lower one side.

If you have checked everything, one of your lift arms could be lower than the other.